Jobs jump for French film, TV biz

'Lorax' helps fuel employment rise

Thanks in part to “The Lorax” and a Chinese historical series, employment in the French film and TV sector climbed 4% in 2011 to 20,633 permanent jobs, while the number of freelance jobs rose 9% to 120,664.

A study conducted by Ile de France Film Commission and Groupe Audiens found that the post-production biz, including vfx, 3D and animation companies, continued to be the country’s fastest-growing sector in 2011, generating the largest investments and creating the most jobs in Paris and its suburbs.

The dynamism of shingles such as Mac Guff and Buf counterbalanced the business troubles of post giant Quinta Industries and its subsid LTC, a lab specializing in 35mm prints, amid the fast-paced digitization of local screens.

The acquisition of Mac Guff by Chris Meledandri’s Universal-owned Illumination Entertainment and the subsequent launch of Illumination Mac Guff was a key source of growth for the technical field in 2011. The shingle’s staff also rose 61%. Olivier Rene Veillon, managing director of the Ile de France Film Commission, pointed out the commercial success of “The Lorax,” the first film delivered under the new Illumination Mac Guff banner. Produced on a $70 million budget, toon has grossed an estimated $195.4 million Stateside since its March 2 bow.